How Words Make it to the Dictionary

Ever opened a dictionary, stared at a word, and wondered how it got there? Who picks these words? And who gets to define them? Well, we did a little digging, and here’s what we found out.

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1. Lexicographers are always on the lookout.

Lexicographers are basically language detectives. They’re constantly hunting for new words and assessing if they deserve a spot in the dictionary. You can even invent a word and propose it for inclusion! But before it makes the cut, lexicographers consider a few things: How widely is the word used? Does it sound like it’ll stick around? Who coined it? Is this person influential? Does the word fit the language? Once these questions, and more, are answered, congratulations! You might just contribute to the English language. Next up, it’s the editors’ turn.

2. Editors basically have one of the coolest jobs in the world.

Editors are the word wizards who create definitions for dictionary entries. How do they do it? Simple. They read, surf the web, and observe people. This helps them track how a word is used in both spoken and written language. Once their research is complete, they craft a definition that fits the word and is easy to understand. If an editor finds your word is used often enough, they’ll define it. Et voila, your word is in the dictionary!

3. There’s more than just one kind of dictionary.

Before you search for your word in any dictionary, let’s get one thing straight: there isn’t just one kind of dictionary. With the evolution of language, technology, and education, there’s a need to expand how we consume information. The dictionary you’re familiar with—the heavy tome with thin white paper—is the most common, but not the most complete. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary has 20 volumes! A pocket dictionary might have just a handful of words for quick reference. There are learner’s dictionaries for kids and English learners, specialized dictionaries for certain fields, and online dictionaries with audio pronunciations. So don’t be disappointed if you don’t see your word right away.

4. Style guides play a big role.

Style guides like The Chicago Manual of Style and the AP Stylebook are crucial in dictionary creation. Words need to be cited when given meaning, and style guides set the rules for spelling and definitions. They make the editor’s job easier, considering they have an entire language to define.

5. Just because a word isn’t in a dictionary doesn’t mean it’s not a word anymore.

If your word doesn’t make it to the dictionary, don’t be disappointed. Dictionaries aren’t rulebooks; they’re tools to help us understand and construct sentences. English is the most popular language in the world, and lexicographers constantly adjust to that. If your word is popular within your community or among friends and family, that’s a feat in itself. Who knows, it might be coined within a year or two!

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Sources:

• https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/how-does-a-word-get-into-the-dictionary

• http://www.dictionary.com/e/getting-words-into-dictionaries/

• https://www.oxforddictionaries.com/our-story/creating-dictionaries

• https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/how-do-words-get-in-the-dictionary?page=2